Fourth-year Michigan head coach Brandon Naurato has agreed to a contract extension through the 2029-30 season, the school announced Monday.
Naurato guided the Wolverines to back-to-back Frozen Four appearances in his first two seasons. A 2009 graduate of Michigan, Naurato posted the most wins (26) of any first-year Michigan head coach before becoming the first to post consecutive 20-plus win seasons to kick off his tenure.
“Brandon Naurato has assembled teams that consistently compete for Big Ten and national championships,” Michigan athletic director Ward Manuel said. “His holistic approach to leadership emphasizes the development of each player, fostering individual growth, strong team chemistry, academic achievement, and meaningful community involvement. Under Brandon’s guidance, our hockey program is healthy and thriving. We are excited for the future and confident in Brandon’s continued leadership for years to come.”
As interim head coach in 2022-23, the Michigan alum led the Wolverines to the Big Ten tournament title and a run to the Frozen Four. Three players were named All-Americans. The following year, the Wolverines repeated as conference tourney champs, made history by scoring the most goals in an NCAA Regional en route to another Frozen Four and finished with a Hobey Baker Award for Adam Fantilli.
“Our focus is on building a culture rooted in development, accountability and daily habits, both on and off the ice,” Naurato said. “The work our players and staff put in every day is what defines Michigan Hockey. We’ve laid an important foundation, but our standards demand that we keep pushing forward. I’m incredibly proud of our coaching staff and extended staff for the passion and expertise they bring to the rink every day.”
As a player from 2006-09, Naurato scored 32 goals and 32 assists in 130 career games as the Wolverines made the NCAA tournament each year. He helped lead Michigan to the CCHA championship in 2008, leading to a Frozen Four appearance.
Michigan is currently ranked No. 1 in the USCHO D-I men’s poll with an 18-4 overall record. Since Naurato’s arrival, the team has boasted the highest scoring offense in the nation, with this year’s team scoring at a clip of 4.91 goals per game. Its power-play unit has converted at 31.4 percent.
Associate head coach Rob Rassey and assistant coaches Matt Deschamps and Kevin Reiter also were extended, all through 2028.